Australian Grand Prix - fans and the fast lanes

"During the race, car number three (Ricciardo) has exceeded consistently the maximum allowed fuel flow of 100kg/h," Bauer said in a statement.

"As this is not in compliance with ... Formula One regulations, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."

Ricciardo's Red Bull Racing team refused to comment on the matter and stewards gave no indication of how long their hearing would take.

On Thursday, race director Charlie Whiting said there would be a zero tolerance policy towards this fuel flow rule, introduced to F1 ranks amid other changes for this season.

"The 100kg is the maximum and, if they go over, they have exceeded the limit and there is no tolerance," Whiting told reporters on Thursday.

The Ricciardo investigation added another twist to a dramatic grand prix on Sunday when the Australia logged his best-ever Formula One finish.

The West Australian came second behind German Nico Rosberg, with Danish debutant Kevin Magnussen third.

Ricciardo became the first Australian to finish on the podium at a home grand prix since the event joined the Formula One world championship in 1985 - but he may yet be disqualified.

Speaking before the law breach was announced some 90 minutes after the race, Ricciardo said he didn't hold much hope of seeing the chequered flag, let alone stand on the podium.

"We had never done a race distance up until today so we didn't really have much confidence that we could see a chequered flag, let alone see it in a podium position," Ricciardo told reporters.

Rosberg won in a glorified procession: he gradually extended his lead to a whopping final margin of 24.5 seconds ahead of Ricciardo, who crossed the line 2.2 seconds ahead of Magnussen.

"Obviously I'd like the gap closer, he (Rosberg) was a pretty far way in front today," Ricciardo said.

"Second is great. But it would be nice to at least have seen Nico on the straight and not five corners ahead."

Ricciardo said he was struggling to comprehend the enormity of his achievement, coming after a carrying the hopes of a nation.

"When I flew into Melbourne this week, it's a bit embarrassing to see my face on a few billboards," he said.

"It's obviously nice, all the support is great.

"But I don't know, the fame is something which I guess I will still have to get used to.

"But it's really nice to give the fans what they wanted to see."McLaren's Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen finished third in the race, with team mate Jenson Button fourth.

6 comments so far

Bet Vettel dobbed him in.

Commenter

Lara

Date and time

March 16, 2014, 6:43PM

Hmm... I'm thinking they will most likely take away his 2nd place finish, especially if the FIA zero tolerance policy claims are anything to go by. Such a shame for Ricciardo's excellent debut! He seems like a really good and down-to-earth kid, and he has obviously proved his worth on the track. Best of luck for him this year and lets see if he can put pressure on Vettel for the title race!

Commenter

JD

Location

Sydney

Date and time

March 16, 2014, 7:23PM

Unless Ricciardo was talking about the breach of the 100kg limit being a heinous crime, "enormity", whilst possibly sounding sophisticated, should have been avoided.

Commenter

Geemacaitch

Date and time

March 16, 2014, 8:37PM

Well, if Mr. Whiting and the F1 Regulators want to piss off the Australian supporters and make them doubt the need for a F1 to take place in Australia then go ahead.Given that all are getting used to the new rules they should make allowance. With the sophistication and ability of current engine management systems why is exceeding the maximum fuel flow possible? I can understand "No tolerance" on matters pertaining to safety but this is ridiculous!

Commenter

Wayne

Date and time

March 16, 2014, 9:33PM

If the fuel FLOW RATE... not amount of fuel used... has been broken and the second place is lost after appeal then we all have to cop it sweet... but please note this is not the amount of fuel USED they are referring to, its the amount of fuel flowing through the system. This is the ability of the fuel pump to circulate fuel through the system. Read bull might found a higher fuel flow rate, and hence a higher fuel pressure in the furl system made the fuel injectors atomise fuel better and hence they might have managed to solve some of the Renault engine issues. Even though I am a petrol head, I cant see what is wrong with a high flow rate as this not a fuel consumption issue. Guess the F1 boffins must have a reason why having high fuel flow and pressure is a no no. Whatever hapens, Daniel has shown he is a top flight player in this game.

Commenter

Clive

Date and time

March 17, 2014, 6:34AM

Rules are rules but I wonder why they picked the number 100 litres per hour? Why wasn't this scientifically determined (e.g. 94.3 l/hr, 107.5 l/hr) rather than being a nice round number?